Donald A Gatz Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Donald A Gatz (Fresno, California), who passed away on January 26, 2022, at the age of 67, leaving to mourn family and friends. We are comforted by the fact he is with our Heavenly Father.

Don was born on April 8, 1954 in Quezon City, Philippines to Cynthia and Harold Gatz. He immigrated to the United States in February 1961 on the USS Patrick. The family settled in Stockton, CA. Throughout his life he fell in love with music, playing and later on coaching football and baseball. After graduating A.A. Stagg in 1972 he would attend and play baseball for Cabrillo College and San Joaquin Delta. In 1977 Don moved to Fresno, CA to continue his education at Fresno State. Later that year, while working at Drug Fare he would meet the love of his life Francine and the rest of the Martinez family.

You could always find him doing what he loved, cooking and watching any sporting event. Don was known for his game day chili, traditional Fillipino food, garlic fried rice, holiday dishes and basically anything you asked him to cook for you. He had a very generous heart of taking care of his family, friends and perfect strangers. Don made sure people were fed, had a ride to work or a tie and dress shirt for game day. His biggest accomplishment was being a loving husband, father, Lolo, uncle, son in law, brother/in-law and friend to all who met him.

He is survived by Francine, his loving wife of 40 years; daughters Meghan (Adam), Patricia, and son Donald Jr; his two grandsons Kashiki & Ezra; his parents in law: Walter and Julia Martinez; his “adopted” mom: Patricia Pettis and family; siblings-in law: Vince (Judi), Kenney (Halie), Julia (Susan), Lisa (Juan); nephews: Trevor & Micheal Gatz; Estevan and Conner; nieces: Alyssa (Justin), Victoria, and Julia; and many other loving relatives and friends.

May the Peace, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you, always.

Due to COVID we will be postponing any memorial services until further notice. We will be announce a later date for a memorial service.
Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.